From country music in Nashville to the jazz scene in New Orleans, if you are a music lover, a trip to the USA for a music road trip should definitely be on the cards.
Whether you commit to visiting ten of the most renowned states for music or you choose to cherry pick just a couple of destinations, if music is a huge part of your life, then why not take some time out to check out some of the most important music cities in the USA.
A city’s music scene is the beating heart of its cultural identity and this certainly rings true when it comes to America’s major music cities.
Whether you favour hip hop in New York, country music in Nashville or rock ‘n’ roll in Memphis, it’s time to turn up, tune in and get ready to take the road to rock ‘n’ roll with our sonic-tastic music cities of the USA guide.
Seattle
Start your music cities road trip on the west coast of America with the grunge capital of the world – Seattle!Â
This iconic city in Washington has been a musical city for decades and the legendary guitarist and singer Jimi Hendrix was born and raised here, but it’s probably best known for being THE major player in the grunge scene in the early nineties.Â
With bands like Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains and of course – Nirvana creating that all-important ‘Seattle Sound’ which garnered worldwide attention and created a huge cultural shift for teenagers and young people all over the world, Seattle remains a major player in launching indie and alternative music acts.
Grunge was so much more than just a musical genre, it was a cultural phenomenon across fashion, film, literature. It wasn’t just about the music, it was a way of life.
Nirvana fans will have to visit the unofficial Kurt Cobain memorial in Viretta Park which has become somewhat of a shrine for the late Nirvana frontman and is a dedicated place for fans to pay their respects.
Music fans should also take some time out to visit the MoPOP which is home to the world’s most immersive pop culture experiences.
They are currently running an exhibition with an intimate look at the history of the Seattle luminaries which has more than 200 rare artefacts and photographs which includes Kurt Cobain’s Fender Stratocaster.
Nirvana used to rehearse in the basement of the space now known as the Screw-Driver Bar specifically between the release of their albums Nevermind and Bleach.Â
Los Angeles
Whether you choose to visit Los Angeles as a standalone trip or decide to incorporate it into your music cities road trip, you will not be disappointed. I
f you are keen to cover all the destinations in this guide, we would recommend starting in Seattle and travelling down the west coast to California to Los Angeles.
Although often better known for association with Hollywood and the movies, Los Angeles has a strong heritage as one of the top music cities in the USA.
From the legendary Sunset Strip which is renowned for its colourful rock ‘n’ roll history to taking in a gig at the Hollywood Bowl, there’s so many top-notch attractions that can be found in any given music lover’s guide to LA.
Whilst certain music cities are synonymous with specific genres, when it comes to Los Angeles, every genre is celebrated.
LA has been the home for performers like Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg.
However, as well as mainstream genres, LA is one of the most diverse music cities in America with genres celebrated as far-reaching as jazz fusion and indietronica.
Austin
Known as the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’, Austin in Texas is one of the best music cities in the whole of the USA.
You will find live music EVERYWHERE, from bars and coffee shops to parks and even at airports!Â
Another reason why this Texan city is one of the top music cities in the USA is that it has more live music venues per capita than anywhere else in the nation.
From grungy dives bars for that ultimate intimate show to sold out shows on the big stage, Austin has a musical experience for every taste.
It’s also home to some of the largest music events and festivals in the world including the critically-acclaimed South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Festival.Â
Whilst it’s fair to argue that there’s no specific genres that this expansive state is known for, but has strong roots in a variety of genres which includes bluegrass, folk, country, jazz, indie and more, Austin’s blues and soul music history can be traced back to the early 1900s. Famous musicians from Austin include Janis Joplin, Willie Nelson and Lucinda Williams.Â
You can’t leave Austin without having a selfie in front of the iconic and instagram-worthy ‘Hi, How Are You’ mural designed by Daniel Johnston.
Other mandatory instagram opportunities include striking your best music star pose in front of two statues that pay homage to two of the city’s most legendary musicians – country stalwart Willie Nelson and blues guitar sorcerer Stevie Ray Vaughan.
New Orleans
New Orleans is the perfect destination for music lovers, music is everywhere in this incredible city – from street performances to smoky clubs to cavernous concert halls
Of course, New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz and not only does it have a jazz venue set up to preserve and protect traditional New Orleans jazz but it truly celebrates jazz with dedicated music tours, jazz cruises and countless other cool things to do.
The most famous jazz venue in New Orleans is Preservation Hall which is dedicated to old school, Dixieland New Orleans-style jazz.
Make sure you carve time out to catch a show there, but it can get a tad busy so be prepared to expect to queue at least an hour before you get in.
From the moment you first land in New Orleans, the city’s musical history is impossible to avoid and there’s a number of musical landmarks that reflect the heritage of the city which includes Louis Armstrong Park, J&M Recording Studio and Bourbon Street.
Memphis
The vibrant city of Memphis is an ideal destination for music lovers.
As one of the most visited music cities in the US, Memphis has music running through its veins and is the perfect place to follow in the blue suede shoes of Elvis Presley.
From paying a visit to the most famous rock ‘n’ roll residence in the world Graceland to taking a guided tour of Sun Studio, if you are a huge fan of the jump suited one, then Memphis is an absolute must-visit. Â
Fans of EP should head over to Memphis’ oldest restaurant – Arcade which has the most incredible 1950s decor and was one of the favourite restaurants of the one and only Elvis himself.
You can even sit in the iconic ‘Elvis’ booth and try his favourite dish – fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches (one of EP’s very favourite dishes!)
Of course, you can’t visit Memphis without paying a visit to the world-famous Beale Street which is one of the most famous music streets in the world.
It’s here that you will find the iconic statue of Elvis that not only showcases the singer’s close bond to the city, but this culturally important street is also chock full of incredible music venues too.
Nashville
So, where’s next on the whistle stop tour of the music cities of the USA?
Whether you are a fan of country music or not, you can’t fail to be charmed by the city of Nashville.
The city is the spiritual home of country music and it’s played a pivotal role in the sonic evolution of American folk music.Â
Music lovers will cherish learning about both Nashville’s musical past and present at one of the city’s many music-themed attractions.
From the Country Music Hall of Fame with its state-of-the-art exhibits to paying tribute to the likes of Elton John, Jimi Hendrix, and more at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum which honours all genres of music, not just country.
Of course, you can’t visit Nashville without a visit to The Grand Ole Opry – a weekly live country music event that has been running for over 90 years.
As well as having the opportunity to see some of the most well-known country music acts, you can also see some fantastic up-and-coming country music stars of the future.
Miami
Music is the beating heart in Miami, particularly when it comes to Latin American and Caribbean culture.
It may not be an obvious choice when it comes to wondering which of the top music cities to visit in America, but it should certainly be high on your list of places to visit when it comes to music.
There are intoxicating live music clubs all over the city from downtown Miami to Calle Ocho, also known as Little Havana and everywhere in-between.
From dancing the night away at salsa clubs to enjoying rooftop cocktails whilst enjoying some of the most incredible panoramic views of the city, Miami offers so much!
If you want to dive deeper into Miami’s music history, then why not consider going on a music tour?
You can explore some of the city’s most iconic music landmarks, which includes the Gibson Guitar Showroom, and learn about the city’s rich musical heritage.Â
Miami is truly a music lover’s paradise and has a thriving local music scene. Whilst it’s best known for its latin and dance music influences throughout the club scene, it also has some pretty stellar live music venues too.
Head over to the Fillmore Miami Beach for a full on rock show or to the Wynwood Yard or the Churchills pub to see bands play a multitude of genres which includes rock, punk and more.
Chicago
The city of Chicago has music venues for every taste, but the windy city is particularly known for its rich heritage in blues music which has launched the careers of some of the biggest names and pioneers of this genre which includes Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters.
Music fans should definitely check out the ten storey striking mural dedicated to the legacy of the late blues icon Muddy Waters
Whilst synonymous with the blues, Chicago is one of the best music cities in the USA for seeing live music.
Make sure you experience an amazing concert at one of Chicago’s best music venues. Music lovers can grab a seat and watch an eclectic and exciting selection of musicians from genres as far-reaching as metal, rap, jazz, rock and more.
One standout includes the dive bar ‘The Empty Bottle’ which is an absolute must-visit. It’s open seven days a week and offers one of the most varied line ups throughout the city.
If you favour a more sedate pace when it comes to your music, make sure you pay a visit to go and see a recital by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra which will blow you away.
Detroit
Synonymous with Motown, Detroit is one of the most influential music cities in America and the famed Motown sound has influenced the likes of Beyonce and more.
The pioneers of Motown have included some of the most-loved artists like The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder to name just a few.
There’s plenty of fantastic things to see and do in Detroit for music fans.
From the Motown Museum which allows visitors to delve further into the world-renowned ‘Motown sound’ to enjoying a night out at one of the city’s fantastic clubs where you can dance the night away.
Detroit is also home to the second-largest theatre district in the U.S making it a fantastic contender for your music cities must-visit list.
This includes the Fillmore which has regularly hosted bands and musicians like Fall Out Boy and the Flaming Lips and historically legendary names like The Doors, the Jimi Hendrix Experience and The Byrds.
New York
From its association with hip hop to hosting some of the world’s most iconic gigs, New York has to be on your list of the most influential and possibly one of the most important music cities in the USA.
Case in point, sonically tributes have been made to the Big Apple in the shape of some unforgettable songs from Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Lou Reed and of course, the very charming Frank Sinatra!
If you’re a music aficionado, New York delivers and then some!
Whether you are in Downtown or lesser-known gems like Williamsburg, you can be sure you will find some unmissable things to see and do.
If you are scoping out your music cities itinerary to New York, then a visit to the historic Carnegie Hall has to be top of your list.
As well as enjoying a gig there, visitors can also take a 60-75 minute guided tour hear incredible stories about the world famous artists who have performed here.
Keep your walking shoes on and get down with the kids with a hip-hop tour of the Bronx where you can learn more about its fascinating history.
Seattle
Start your music cities road trip on the west coast of America with the grunge capital of the world – Seattle!Â
This iconic city in Washington has been a musical city for decades and the legendary guitarist and singer Jimi Hendrix was born and raised here, but it’s probably best known for being THE major player in the grunge scene in the early nineties.Â
With bands like Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains and of course – Nirvana creating that all-important ‘Seattle Sound’ which garnered worldwide attention and created a huge cultural shift for teenagers and young people all over the world, Seattle remains a major player in launching indie and alternative music acts.
Grunge was so much more than just a musical genre, it was a cultural phenomenon across fashion, film, literature.
It wasn’t just about the music, it was a way of life. Nirvana fans will have to visit the unofficial Kurt Cobain memorial in Viretta Park which has become somewhat of a shrine for the late Nirvana frontman and is a dedicated place for fans to pay their respects.
Music fans should also take some time out to visit the MoPOP which is home to the world’s most immersive pop culture experiences.
They are currently running an exhibition with an intimate look at the history of the Seattle luminaries which has more than 200 rare artefacts and photographs which includes Kurt Cobain’s Fender Stratocaster.
Nirvana used to rehearse in the basement of the space now known as the Screw-Driver Bar specifically between the release of their albums Nevermind and Bleach.
Los Angeles
Whether you choose to visit Los Angeles as a standalone trip or decide to incorporate it into your music cities road trip, you will not be disappointed.
If you are keen to cover all the destinations in this guide, we would recommend starting in Seattle and travelling down the west coast to California to Los Angeles.
Although often better known for association with Hollywood and the movies, Los Angeles has a strong heritage as one of the top music cities in the USA.
From the legendary Sunset Strip which is renowned for its colourful rock ‘n’ roll history to taking in a gig at the Hollywood Bowl, there’s so many top-notch attractions that can be found in any given music lover’s guide to LA.
Whilst certain music cities are synonymous with specific genres, when it comes to Los Angeles, every genre is celebrated. LA has been the home for performers like Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg.
However, as well as mainstream genres, LA is one of the most diverse music cities in America with genres celebrated as far-reaching as jazz fusion and indietronica.
Austin
Known as the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’, Austin in Texas is one of the best music cities in the whole of the USA.
You will find live music EVERYWHERE, from bars and coffee shops to parks and even at airports!Â
Another reason why this Texan city is one of the top music cities in the USA is that it has more live music venues per capita than anywhere else in the nation.
From grungy dives bars for that ultimate intimate show to sold out shows on the big stage, Austin has a musical experience for every taste.It’s also home to some of the largest music events and festivals in the world including the critically-acclaimed South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Festival.Â
Whilst it’s fair to argue that there’s no specific genres that this expansive state is known for, but has strong roots in a variety of genres which includes bluegrass, folk, country, jazz, indie and more, Austin’s blues and soul music history can be traced back to the early 1900s. Famous musicians from Austin include Janis Joplin, Willie Nelson and Lucinda Williams.Â
You can’t leave Austin without having a selfie in front of the iconic and instagram-worthy ‘Hi, How Are You’ mural designed by Daniel Johnston.
Other mandatory instagram opportunities include striking your best music star pose in front of two statues that pay homage to two of the city’s most legendary musicians – country stalwart Willie Nelson and blues guitar sorcerer Stevie Ray Vaughan.
New Orleans
New Orleans is the perfect destination for music lovers, music is everywhere in this incredible city – from street performances to smoky clubs to cavernous concert halls
Of course, New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz and not only does it have a jazz venue set up to preserve and protect traditional New Orleans jazz but it truly celebrates jazz with dedicated music tours, jazz cruises and countless other cool things to do.
The most famous jazz venue in New Orleans is Preservation Hall which is dedicated to old school, Dixieland New Orleans-style jazz.
Make sure you carve time out to catch a show there, but it can get a tad busy so be prepared to expect to queue at least an hour before you get in.
From the moment you first land in New Orleans, the city’s musical history is impossible to avoid and there’s a number of musical landmarks that reflect the heritage of the city which includes Louis Armstrong Park, J&M Recording Studio and Bourbon Street.
Memphis
The vibrant city of Memphis is an ideal destination for music lovers.
As one of the most visited music cities in the US, Memphis has music running through its veins and is the perfect place to follow in the blue suede shoes of Elvis Presley.
From paying a visit to the most famous rock ‘n’ roll residence in the world Graceland to taking a guided tour of Sun Studio, if you are a huge fan of the jump suited one, then Memphis is an absolute must-visit. Â
Fans of EP should head over to Memphis’ oldest restaurant – Arcade which has the most incredible 1950s decor and was one of the favourite restaurants of the one and only Elvis himself. You can even sit in the iconic ‘Elvis’ booth and try his favourite dish – fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches (one of EP’s very favourite dishes!)
Of course, you can’t visit Memphis without paying a visit to the world-famous Beale Street which is one of the most famous music streets in the world. It’s here that you will find the iconic statue of Elvis that not only showcases the singer’s close bond to the city, but this culturally important street is also chock full of incredible music venues too.
Nashville
So, where’s next on the whistle stop tour of the music cities of the USA?
Whether you are a fan of country music or not, you can’t fail to be charmed by the city of Nashville. The city is the spiritual home of country music and it’s played a pivotal role in the sonic evolution of American folk music.Â
Music lovers will cherish learning about both Nashville’s musical past and present at one of the city’s many music-themed attractions.
From the Country Music Hall of Fame with its state-of-the-art exhibits to paying tribute to the likes of Elton John, Jimi Hendrix, and more at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum which honours all genres of music, not just country.
Of course, you can’t visit Nashville without a visit to The Grand Ole Opry – a weekly live country music event that has been running for over 90 years. As well as having the opportunity to see some of the most well-known country music acts, you can also see some fantastic up-and-coming country music stars of the future.
Miami
Music is the beating heart in Miami, particularly when it comes to Latin American and Caribbean culture.
It may not be an obvious choice when it comes to wondering which of the top music cities to visit in America, but it should certainly be high on your list of places to visit when it comes to music.
There are intoxicating live music clubs all over the city from downtown Miami to Calle Ocho, also known as Little Havana and everywhere in-between.
From dancing the night away at salsa clubs to enjoying rooftop cocktails whilst enjoying some of the most incredible panoramic views of the city, Miami offers so much!
If you want to dive deeper into Miami’s music history, then why not consider going on a music tour?
You can explore some of the city’s most iconic music landmarks, which includes the Gibson Guitar Showroom, and learn about the city’s rich musical heritage.Â
Miami is truly a music lover’s paradise and has a thriving local music scene.
Whilst it’s best known for its latin and dance music influences throughout the club scene, it also has some pretty stellar live music venues too.
Head over to the Fillmore Miami Beach for a full on rock show or to the Wynwood Yard or the Churchills pub to see bands play a multitude of genres which includes rock, punk and more.
Chicago
The city of Chicago has music venues for every taste, but the windy city is particularly known for its rich heritage in blues music which has launched the careers of some of the biggest names and pioneers of this genre which includes Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters.
Music fans should definitely check out the ten storey striking mural dedicated to the legacy of the late blues icon Muddy Waters
Whilst synonymous with the blues, Chicago is one of the best music cities in the USA for seeing live music. Make sure you experience an amazing concert at one of Chicago’s best music venues.
Music lovers can grab a seat and watch an eclectic and exciting selection of musicians from genres as far-reaching as metal, rap, jazz, rock and more.
One standout includes the dive bar ‘The Empty Bottle’ which is an absolute must-visit. It’s open seven days a week and offers one of the most varied line ups throughout the city.
If you favour a more sedate pace when it comes to your music, make sure you pay a visit to go and see a recital by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra which will blow you away.
Detroit
Synonymous with Motown, Detroit is one of the most influential music cities in America and the famed Motown sound has influenced the likes of Beyonce and more.
The pioneers of Motown have included some of the most-loved artists like The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder to name just a few.
There’s plenty of fantastic things to see and do in Detroit for music fans. From the Motown Museum which allows visitors to delve further into the world-renowned ‘Motown sound’ to enjoying a night out at one of the city’s fantastic clubs where you can dance the night away.
Detroit is also home to the second-largest theatre district in the U.S making it a fantastic contender for your music cities must-visit list.
This includes the Fillmore which has regularly hosted bands and musicians like Fall Out Boy and the Flaming Lips and historically legendary names like The Doors, the Jimi Hendrix Experience and The Byrds.
New York
From its association with hip hop to hosting some of the world’s most iconic gigs, New York has to be on your list of the most influential and possibly one of the most important music cities in the USA. Case in point, sonically tributes have been made to the Big Apple in the shape of some unforgettable songs from Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Lou Reed and of course, the very charming Frank Sinatra!
If you’re a music aficionado, New York delivers and then some!
Whether you are in Downtown or lesser-known gems like Williamsburg, you can be sure you will find some unmissable things to see and do.
If you are scoping out your music cities itinerary to New York, then a visit to the historic Carnegie Hall has to be top of your list.
As well as enjoying a gig there, visitors can also take a 60-75 minute guided tour hear incredible stories about the world famous artists who have performed here.
Keep your walking shoes on and get down with the kids with a hip-hop tour of the Bronx where you can learn more about its fascinating history.Â
